(On a rainy afternoon in Angel Grove, some of the rangers decide to seek shelter inside the Juice Bar. Some of them however, are conspicuously absent.)
Zack: Man, where the heck is Jason? He was supposed to be here like an hour ago. The tournaments in a few hours and he hasn't practiced once.
Adam: Don't worry about him Zack. He'll be here. He's probably just caught in the rain.
Rocky: Or maybe he's given up on the tournament cause he knows he's gonna have to face me in the finals!
Adam: (laughs) Yeah, that's probably it.
Zack: Nah. It's not like Jason at all. Jason wouldn't just give up on something. He doesn't run from a challenge.
(Rocky points ahead.)
Rocky: I think that's him right there.
(Zack turns his head toward the entrance and sees a bedraggled Jason stumble into the Juice Bar. He is soaked from head to toe and looks like a complete wreck. He angrily tosses his bag on the floor as Zack approaches him.)
Zack: Hey man, what's going on with you lately? You're an hour late.
Jason: (mutters) I had a long night.
Zack: Were you out partying or something? Do you have any idea what today is?
Jason: The day of another meaningless tournament?
Zack: Exactly. And you haven't practiced at all this week. What is going on with you?
(As he scolds his friend he pokes him hard in the chest; something which Jason doesn't seem to like.)
Jason: I'm not in the mood right now Zack, so you need to get off my back.
Zack: If I'm not on your back about it, who is?
(He continues to poke him.)
Zack: You need to get your head out of the clouds man, cause you're really ticking me off right no—
Jason: I said back off!
(Jason smacks his hand away and shoves Zack a good five feet away. He quickly draws the attention of nearly everyone at the Juice Bar as Jason turns around to kick a wooden pole with green padding in front of him. However, he stops short of actually doing it.)
Jason: (groans) I can't do this.
(He turns around and storms out in a huff. Zack turns back toward Adam and Rocky looking completely dumbfounded. Jason is heard punching several lockers in the hallway, drawing Zack to go after him once again.)
Zack: Dude, dude, calm down.
Jason: Don't tell me to calm down man. I swear to god, I'm gonna…
(Jason raises his fists at Zack, but this time Zack comes prepared.)
Zack: Look man, I love you like my brother, but lay your hands on me again, and I'm gonna have to lay you out. Understand?
Jason: I… I… (Sighs) I'm sorry.
(Jason drops his hand and finally takes a deep breath. However he punches another locker for good measure.)
Zack: Why don't you just start from the top and tell me what is wrong. Cause you're acting like a maniac.
Jason: I… I had the dream again.
Zack: The dream? Look Jason, don't read too much into those things okay? It happens to everyone. It doesn't make you gay or anything.
Jason: No man. The one where Tommy loses his powers.
Zack: Oh… oh!
Jason: It's been happening ever since Zedd took the last of his powers. It's made it really hard to concentrate on anything. I see Tommy everywhere I go. Heck, I couldn't even kick that green pole cause it reminded me of him.
Zack: Well they both act just as wooden.
Jason: I don't know. I don't think I can do this.
Zack: It's not a big deal man. It's just one tournament. If you need to sit out to sort things out, it's fine.
Jason: No. I don't think I can be the red ranger anymore.
Zack: Oh. So that feeling came back?
Jason: It never went away. I just sort of ignored it and hoped it'd leave on its own. It started to work I guess, but as soon as Tommy lost his powers, it came back in full force.
Zack: I see. Well, this is something you need to talk to Alpha and Zordon about. It's pretty serious.
Jason: Yeah. I think you're right.
(Oblivious to her ill-timed entrance, Trini skips by them merrily, looking like she has some good news.)
Trini: Hey guys, how are you?! Is Kim around?
Zack: She's inside by the stools with Robbie.
(Suddenly her own enthusiasm vanishes as well.)
Trini: Oh…
Zack: They've been there all morning. It's really weird. It's like they'll start having an argument, then just drop it and act all friendly. I don't know man, it's freaking me out.
Trini: Oh. Okay. Guess I'll talk you guys later.
Zack: Cool.
(Trini walks inside and as Zack describes, finds Kim was with Robbie by the stools watching the news and having drinks.)
"Sad news today from the Amish Television Network as they have announced that they will be shutting down at the end of the month after failing to attract a single viewer. We'll have more on that later. But first we have some breaking news concerning the verdict of the police brutality case by the Industrial District."
(The two turn to one another with worried looks.)
Kimberly: Uh oh, this doesn't sound too good.
"Hundreds of angry black and Latino Angel Grove citizens have taken to the streets to protest the not guilty verdict of three police officers who were caught on camera beating Jermaine Williams after a routine traffic stop last April. The protesters argue that what happened to Jermaine is just a microcosm of a wide spread problem happening in the inner city. And what started out as peaceful protests turned violent as soon as the police got involved to disperse the crowds. Some took to violence against the police, others took to looting. So far a couple dozen arrests have been made."
Robbie: This is outrageous.
Kimberly: I know. I don't believe it!
Robbie: God forbid we have a grievance with the status quo. Talk about a police state.
Kimberly: Yeah. Wait, what do you mean?
Robbie: I mean those people have every right to protest. It's what's called a democracy.
Kimberly: Yeah, but those people shouldn't have been looting and fighting the police in the first place. It's their own fault that they got arrested.
Robbie: The only reason it got out of hand is because they got involved. The cops shouldn't try to silence a protest against the cops. It only serves to further alienate the people from those who are sworn to "protect."
Kimberly: Robbie, I don't think you heard correctly… they were looting! That's not protest, it's mayhem. They were breaking the law. Doesn't matter what went before it. The police have every right to arrest them.
Robbie: Those people are frustrated by the fact that rights seem to not apply to their part of the population. I'd be mad too if I got beaten by the police and they got off.
Kimberly: Oh god, not this again.
Robbie: Yes, this again.
Kimberly: Do I look like an ant from the top of that soapbox of yours?
Robbie: So you think those cops shouldn't have faced any punishment?
Kimberly: I wasn't there. I don't know the facts.
Robbie: I'll tell you the facts. Jermaine Williams had nothing on him; not a gun, no drugs, not a stinking Altoid. Nothing. He was speeding.
Kimberly: Which is dangerous and illegal.
Robbie: How many of your friends got their arms broken by police officers for speeding?
Kimberly: Robbie, I don't know what year you think this is, but I've got news for you: it isn't 1950 anymore. Racism is over in America.
Robbie: Says the privileged white girl who knows only two dark skinned people.
Kimberly: What you said right there is racist! The only time I ever hear about racism is when you're accusing someone else of racism
Robbie: Look, I don't have to be blasted with a hose or hung by a tree to see racism in America. Just being me leads to people having a completely different perception of my character based on nothing by my skin color.
Kimberly: It could also be the baggy pants and the menacing attitude.
Robbie: So you assume someone with dark skin who wears baggy pants is menacing? That's perception. Whenever you get into an elevator with a black or Latino that isn't me or Zack and you get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach that something is gonna happen so you grip your tiny pink purse a little tighter. That's racism: the assumption of someone's character based on nothing more than skin color.
(She fires back indignantly.)
Kimberly: I've never done that!
Robbie: But you've thought it. It's something I've had to deal with my entire life. I see it in the moms who won't let their daughters date me and the cops that slow down next to me. This poor sap saw it too. And you know what? We're sick of it. We have rights too. I'm so sick and tired of people bringing up my attire when they want to make the case that I'm some thug.
Kimberly: Face it Robbie, the clothes make the man. Nobody accuses the guy in the business suit of being a thug, regardless of race. I know you, but to a stranger, you look like a thug.
Robbie: So I should conform to your standards of attire just to not be harassed on a daily basis? Should you stop wearing miniskirts so that you don't get r—?
(Ernie obliviously cuts in.)
Ernie: Hey guys, how's everything?
(With the conversation getting heated, Kim has to grit her teeth to answer normally.)
Kimberly: Good Ernie, thank you.
Ernie: I see you guys like our hot dogs. You know we got a special going on where if you buy four, you get the fifth for regular price.
Kimberly: We're fine Ernie. In fact, I think I'll take the check.
Robbie: What are you doing?
Kimberly: (groans) What now?
Robbie: I'm paying for you. You paid last time.
Kimberly: Oh? Well… thank you.
Robbie: Anytime. It's on me today Ernie.
Ernie: You got it.
Robbie: You take check, right?
Ernie: Sure, I guess. As long as you don't write "VOID" across it like last time.
Robbie: Hey, that's just how I sign my checks. It's on the bank for not accepting it.
Ernie: Yeah, whatever.
(Robbie reaches into his brown backpack on the floor and sifts around for his checkbook.)
Kimberly: Hey so Billy told me you have a hot date tonight. Who's the lucky girl?
Robbie: Her name's Mary Sue.
Kimberly: The way Billy described her, she sounds perfect for you.
Robbie: With a name like that, she better be.
Kimberly: When are you meeting up?
(He checks his watch and quickly grows dismayed.)
Robbie: Like twenty minutes ago! I gotta get out of here.
(He reaches down, grabs his book bag and rushes for the exit.)
Kimberly: Good luck. Tell me how it goes.
Robbie: Thanks.
(On his way out, he nearly knocks over Trini, who is headed there way. He helps her from falling over, but then just awkward shares glances with her.)
Trini: Hi…
Robbie: Hey. Sorry.
Trini: It's okay. How's everything?
Robbie: Good. You?
Trini: Pretty good.
Robbie: I-I'll see you later. Good talk though.
Trini: Yeah. Me too. See you.
(Robbie lets her go and walks out of the Juice Bar as Trini shakes her head in disgust with herself.)
Trini: "Me too?"
Kimberly: Oh hey girlfriend!
Trini: Hey Kim.
Kimberly: What was that about?
Trini: Huh? Oh, nothing. But uhh… Well, I spoke with Tommy this morning. He said he couldn't reach you so he called me assuming I was with you.
Kimberly: Oh yeah, I've been hanging out here with Robbie all day.
Trini: Oh…
Kimberly: What did he say?
Trini: He said he's upstate in his uncle's cabin during the holiday break. He wanted to know if you could to come up and spend the day with him.
(Kim gasps excitedly)
Kimberly: Oh my god, yes! I'm so there. I just gotta run home and grab a few things. But uh… I don't have a car. Think you can give me a lift?
Trini: I mean, you can just teleport up there Kim…
Kimberly: Come on! It'll be fun. A road trip with just us girls. We haven't really hung out much lately since you started talking to Ritchie. We are in serious need of some catching up.
(Despite Kim's insistence, Trini remains apprehensive.)
Trini: I don't know Kim… I've got some work to catch up on and—
Kimberly: Hey! Speaking of which, how's the whole Ritchie thing going?
Trini: Well… I don't know.
"Hey uh… Trini?"
Kimberly: Speak of the devil.
(Trini feels a light tap on the shoulder, and turns to see an emotionally blank Ritchie staring back at her.)
Trini: Oh hey Ritchie.
Ritchie: Hey. Do you uh… do you think we can talk real fast?
Trini: Uh…
(She turns back to Trini, who gives her an approving nod. Trini smiles at Ritchie and lets him take her to the nearest corner. Meanwhile on the moon, Zedd looks on, disgusted by what he sees.)
Lord Zedd: Yuck. All these young hormonal love problems are making me sick to my stomach.
Squatt: Speak for yourself. With all that drama, it's finally getting interesting.
Baboo: Every day down there is like an episode of Scandal.
Lord Zedd: Well unlike you two nitwits, my tastes in entertainment isn't the same as that of a teenage girl. I prefer watching violence, mayhem!
(He turns his head to another part of Angel Grove until he settles on the site of the riots.)
Lord Zedd: Ah, much better. I love it when one of my plans come together, and so far so good. With the citizen's trust in authority is fast eroding thanks to my imposter police force, anarchy shall reign supreme.
Goldar: Now, for the second part of the plan… get rid of the rangers!
(Later on in the day, the girls hit the road and travel upstate to Tommy's uncles' cabin. The normally scenic view is gray and muddied due to the weather. Further killing the atmosphere is the fact that Trini for one reason or another, has not said much since the trip started.)
Kimberly: Nice weather we're having.
Trini: Yeah.
Kimberly: …it's a joke. I wasn't being serious.
Trini: Oh.
Kimberly: Okay…. Well that subject flopped. I guess we'll talk about something else. So, do you have any Christmas plans?
Trini: Um, I don't know yet. Alpha asked me if I wanted keep him company at the command center. He said it's gonna be "magical."
Kimberly: So are you gonna go.
Trini: (mutters) I think I'd rather move to Switzerland.
Kimberly: Okay, like what is wrong with you?
Trini: Me?
Kimberly: No the other Trini in this car. What did Ritchie say to you before we left?
Trini: Ritchie? He didn't say anything to me. He was just telling me about something.
Kimberly: …like?
(Trini sighs, sounding somewhat irritatingly.)
Trini: Well I haven't really seen or spoken to him in the past few days. Not since that whole thing with Robbie.
Kimberly: You mean when he knocked Ritchie's lights out?
Trini: He didn't knock him out. Robbie sucker punched him.
Kimberly: Trini, Ritchie was out cold for several minutes. Robbie even came back to take money from Ritchie's tip jar and draw on his face.
Trini: Fine, whatever. I kind of don't want to talk about Ritchie right now. If you don't mind.
Kimberly: Okay, that's totally fine. We'll talk about Robbie.
Trini: Let's not.
Kimberly: Why not?
Trini: Because there's nothing to talk about. He won't talk to me, so I won't talk to, or about him.
Kimberly: Okay…
Trini: Good.
Kimberly: …So how about this weather?
(Trini sucks her teeth.)
Trini: Look… Robbie's just… he's being overly dramatic. That's how he's always been so I'm not paying mind to him. If he's not out seeking sympathy, he's probably not talking. He's such a self-absorbed jerk. I don't know why he has to let it be this way. He's being really difficult.
Kimberly: So you want to be friends with him again?
Trini: We're power rangers, Kim. We need to work together. What he's doing is causing a rift.
Kimberly: And you don't think what you're doing is causing a rift?
Trini: What am I doing?
Kimberly: Come on girl, don't play dumb. Heck I've done this before. You leave your boyfriend, then start dating another guy to get him jealous.
Trini: What?! I'm not doing that!
Kimberly: Um, hello? Ritchie?
Trini: Oh that's nonsense. Ritchie isn't… I mean, Ritchie is a nice guy. I'm just taking it slow with him. Really slow. If anything, I'm going out of my way not to upset Robbie with Ritchie.
Kimberly: Fine. Do you like him?
Trini: What?
Kimberly: Do you like him?
Trini: I mean, he's a nice guy.
Kimberly: You said that already.
Trini: What are you doing? Why have you suddenly become a Robbie cheerleader, Kim?
Kimberly: I'm not doing anything. Robbie is my friend, and he's going through a really tough time.
Trini: Yeah, you know who else went through a tough time? Me when he cheated on me with Hannah. Where were you for that?
Kimberly: Last I checked you hid that from everyone out of some sense of pride. Robbie came up to me because he had no other friends to turn to. You were it for him and he lost you.
Trini: He has no one to blame but himself for that.
Kimberly: You're right Trini. You're absolutely right. It's his fault, and if you don't want to be with him ever again, you obviously don't need to. However, I have a hard time believing…
(Trini cuts her off.)
Trini: No! Don't you dare say it. I will turn this car around right now, I swear.
Kimberly: Why have you been avoiding Ritchie? I just think that you may want to consider being happy than being prideful.
Trini: Stop it! Stop it right now. I don't want to talk about Robbie anymore. I can never forgive him for what he did to me. I'm right on this. Me! So stop taking his side.
(Trini's sudden outburst takes the air right out of the car and any point Kimberly plans to make. Wisely, Kim backs off and doesn't say anything else.)
Kimberly: Okay. I'm sorry.
(But it looks like the damage is done; a fuming Trini pulls over to the side of the dirt road and leans her head against the steering wheel.)
Kimberly: Sweetie, look I-I didn't mean to upset you.
Trini: It's okay.
Kimberly: I'm not taking Robbie's side. Not one bit. I just know what you're going through. Look, I don't like to talk about this much, but I was cheated on once.
(Trini lifts her head up from the wheel.)
Trini: Really?
(Kim nods)
Kimberly: My first boyfriend. I was such a fool for trusting him. What little I knew back then. (Laughs) Like fourteen year olds are emotionally mature enough to maintain relationships.
Trini: Kim, you're sixteen.
Kimberly: I know, and I've learned a lot since then.
Trini: Well what happened? Did you forgive him?
Kimberly: No, I didn't. He was a lying cheating pig and he hurt me, so I had to let him go.
Trini: You see? So why would you then turn around to tell me to forgive Robbie.
Kimberly: Because my ex didn't make me as happy as Robbie's made you. I was young and naïve and needed something like that to prove to me that we weren't meant to be together. But you… honey, I've known you for a few years now and I've never once seen you as happy as you were when you were with him.
Trini: …
Kimberly: You used to glow whenever he'd enter the room and god you wouldn't stop talking about him. Most obvious though is that when you were with him, you suddenly started dressing in more revealing outfits that show off your legs and your stomach. He made you feel beautiful. Inside and out.
(Trini doesn't say a word, but it's clear that Kim has hit the nail on the head.)
Kimberly: Yeah he screwed up. I gave him crap for it, we all did. But I've seen him grovel and beat himself up over it. He knows it's the biggest mistake he's ever made. He knows he lost his best friend by his own doing and it is tearing him up inside. He wants nothing more than to get back on your good side and maybe have a shot at getting back with you, but like you he is just too proud to put himself back out there.
Trini: Really?
Kimberly: Absolutely. And I know I'm just an outside perspective, but I think there's still something there. One of you will just have to give. But I know you don't want me to talk about him anymore so I promise, this is it.
Trini: No… it's okay. I've just… (Sighs) I've never felt this mixed up before. I mean Ritchie's so nice to me and Robbie… well, I guess he can be really sweet too when he wants to be. But I guess Ritchie's a bit better off than him. I mean he even has a job.
Kimberly: Robbie has a job.
Trini: Robbie stands on street corners in his neighborhood and talks about Jesus until people give him money.
Kimberly: Well at least he's spiritual.
Trini: I guess. Still, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Kimberly: Look, I can't decide that for you. You've got to decide that on your own. But I think we can both agree on one thing, you can't continue to see Ritchie while you're feeling this way. It'll only mess you up more and it's not fair to him.
(Trini solemnly nods her head.)
Trini: You're right… I'll talk to him. Thank you Kim, you're the best.
Kimberly: No you are.
Trini: (smiles) You know, you're gonna think this is kind of silly. But I kind of thought that you and Robbie were hooking up for some reason.
Kimberly: Robbie wishes he had that kinda game.
Trini: Hey! What does that mean? He's cute. He got me.
Kimberly: Honey he's just not my type. I mean he's my friend and all, and I love him. But my dating preferences are… well, they're like… how do I put this? (Sighs) It's kind of like a nice restaurant in the 1950's…
Trini: You mean… "Whites only?"
Kimberly: You said it, not me.
Trini: Well… okay then. Sorry for doubting you then.
Kimberly: Don't be.
Trini: We're still friends?
Kimberly: Friends forever.
(Kim and Trini lean in for a warm embrace. There is a sudden optimism in the car that makes even this ugly day seem a bit prettier. That however, lasts for about three seconds before she hears a loud knock from the driver side window.)
"Excuse me ma'am, can you step out the car please?"
Trini: (gasps) What was that?!
Kimberly: Oh no, Trini don't look now but the police are right behind you.
Trini: The police? What did I do? I used my turn signals to pull over. Do you have anything on you?
Kimberly: I had some Altoids about a mile back.
Trini: You idiot! He probably things we're popping ecstasy.
Kimberly: Relax, I'm just sure he's checking up on us since we're pulled over in the middle of nowhere.
(The officer knocks more forcefully.)
"Get out of the vehicle with your hands up NOW!"
(To the officer's right, the girls spot his partner reaching for his weapon and getting in the ready position in case a third order to get out needs to be made.)
Trini: …I don't think he's checking up on us.
(Meanwhile, somewhere close to the Industrial District, Robbie is power walking through the rain with his hoodie over his head up in an effort to get to his date as quickly as possible. From his peripherals he notices a black vehicle driving oddly close behind him as if it is either looking for parking, or looking to get his attention. Knowing enough about strange cars doing that in his neighborhood, Robbie tries to ignore it and continue walking, though his heart begins to race. His curiosity eventually gets the better of him and he turns his head slightly to give the car a few quick glances. Finally the car stops cold and out of it come two large men in plain clothing. Robbie hesitates and considers running. That is until one of the men pulls out a police badge.)
Officer Powell: You look familiar.
Robbie: (sucks teeth) Oh come on!
Sargent Zimmerman: This guy! He's a celebrity down at the precinct. My daughter even has a signed copy of his mug shot for Christmas.
Robbie: What is it about me that attracts you guys like honey?
Officer Powell: Tell us why you seem to attract us?
Robbie: I wasn't the one following you down the streets.
Officer Powell: You know why we did that? Cause you look very suspicious. You keep looking back at us. Don't do that.
(The Sargent pulls at Robbie's book bag while he still has it on.)
Sargent Zimmerman: Why does he have an empty book bag?
Robbie: Why is it any of your business?
Sargent Zimmerman: Watch it.
Officer Powell: Our job is to look for suspicious behavior. When you keep looking at us like that, looking back…
Sargent Zimmerman: Put your hands up.
Officer Powell: When you're walking the block with your hood up, and you keep looking back at us like that, we think you might have something.
Sargent Zimmerman: Why do you have an empty book bag?
Robbie: That's where I put my hoodie.
Officer Powell: You have your hoodie on your body. Why do you keep being such a smart mouth?
Robbie: Cause it's raining?
Officer Powell: You want me to smack you?
Robbie: You asked me why I had a book bag on, genius.
Officer Powell: Watch who you're talking to like that!
(Officer reaches to grab Robbie's arm, but he pulls back. Although the reaction was instinctive, Robbie instantly knows that he made a mistake. It gives the officers the slightest bit of reason to shove him helplessly against the closest wall like a pack of bullies. Fearing further repercussions, he tries to fight his emotions and bite his tongue and goes limp as the Sargent pats him down.)
Sargent Zimmerman: You wanna go to jail kid?
Robbie: For what?
Sargent Zimmerman: For being a dirty mutt.
Robbie: That's a law?
Sargent Zimmerman: It is now. Book this kid. We don't have time to waste on garbage like you.
Officer Powell: Lucky I don't break your arm while you're in these cuffs.
(Officer Powell grabs Robbie by the wrist and shoves him into the back of the police cruiser like a rag doll before slamming the door in his face. Robbie appears distraught and afraid, but does his best to keep a stoic expression while he's picked off the streets. As the officers' head back to the front side of the car to drive off, they give each other satisfied grins while their eyes flash bright red. Back on the moon, Zedd seems thrilled.)
Lord Zedd: Hahahaha! Excellent! Now with those goody goods locked up, nothing can stand in the way of Angel Grove's destruction. And when the real police are faced with revolt, they will learn to survive by serving "true" justice to Angel Grove. It's a win-win.
Goldar: All that remains is the red ranger.
Lord Zedd: And he's been on the rag since Tommy left, so he should be a piece of cake. But just to be safe, I think Angel Grove's finest could use some backup.
(Lord Zedd swings his staff over his shoulder pointing it towards earth. A beam of dark energy is emits and reaches Angel Grove near the heart of the protest. It hits a sign a protester is holding up of a pig in a police uniform. In the blink of an eye, the drawing vanishes from the sign and appears right before them.)
"Freeze!"
(Instantly the protest disperses with everyone running for their lives. The monster orders his troop of fake officers to fire off tear gas into the air, creating a scene reminiscent of a warzone. With the people blinded, he gives the order to attack. Meanwhile in an undisclosed location, Zack, Billy and Robbie have been thrown into a dark, cold cell with nothing but a small cot, a filthy toilet and the cement floor beneath them. A single police officer stands guard and stares them down to make sure they don't try anything funny, while some more prisoners are brought in, blindfolded.)
Kimberly: This is an outrage! Do you know who my daddy is? When he finds out what you future mall cops have done, he's gonna have all of you fired! Do you hear me?!
Officer: Quiet princess. Into the cage with the other rats.
(The two officers rip the blindfolds off and shove Trini and Kim into the cells with the other rangers; the latter with a little extra force.)
Billy: Trini? Kim? They've incarcerated the both of you as well?
Kimberly: This is completely bogus. Just you wait. I have rights, you know! You can't just do whatever you want.
Trini: Kimberly, calm down. You're only going to make things worse by fighting with them.
Robbie: Yeah Kim, if you broke the law than the police have "every right" to arrest you.
Kimberly: …
Trini: The officer arrested us for having broken taillights, but the officer was the one who broke them.
Robbie: I see. Are you okay?
Trini: Yeah, I mean… I don't know. Not really. This is really messed up.
Robbie: You're telling me… um… I'm sorry?
Trini: It's okay… why are you here?
Robbie: They stopped me in the middle of the streets and frisked me. They say they're booking me for possession.
Kimberly: See? I bet you it was a bogus charge also.
Robbie: (shrugs) Sure.
Billy: They said Zack and I were speeding while we were on our way to go cheer Jason up.
Trini: Well that sounds reasonably fair at least.
Billy: But we weren't driving.
Trini: Hmm.
(Robbie notices that Zack, who is seated on the bed staring down, hasn't said a word. He calls his attention.)
Robbie: Zack, why are you so quiet?
(He doesn't reply. Slowly though, he lifts his head up to face the others. To their horror, he reveals a giant pink welt near his right eye.)
Kimberly: Oh my goodness. Zacky, what happened to you?
(Appearing hesitant to respond, Zack gives an awkward glance to one of the arresting police officers, who fires a threatening glare right back at him. A single tear rolls down his cheek.)
Zack: I-I fell…
Kimberly: This just seems waaay too weird for me. Something tells me we've been set up.
Trini: If I didn't know better, I'd think Zedd is behind this somehow.
"Hahaha! Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."
(A voice echoes into the tiny room. Someone bursts through the door.)
Billy: Look!
Kimberly: We should've known…
Robbie: Zedd!
(Lord Zedd storms into the room along with Goldar and a few putty patrollers dressed in police uniforms lined up behind them.)
Zack: I can't believe it… we've been had.
Billy: We walked right into his trap.
Lord Zedd: I must say rangers, I'm not very impressed by your savvy. Twice in under a week I have you all locked up in my other world. You're as easy to capture as the princess from Super Mario.
Trini: Let us out Zedd, before we teach you another lesson.
Lord Zedd: Oh I am shaking in my boots. But as you can see, there will be no repeat of last time as I have learned from my mistake and will grant you no bail! Hahaha!
Goldar: Yes my lord, you've truly got them now.
Lord Zedd: Yes. And this time you don't have Tommy around to save you. And with Angel Grove in the midst of a war with its sworn protectors, Zordon and the red ranger will be far too busy to save any of you.
(Zack furiously runs toward Zedd and takes a swing at him through the metal bars, but misses by a mile.)
Zack: This ain't over, Zedd. I swear, when I get my hands on you…
Lord Zedd: You'll what?! Make a wrong move in here, and I'll open up every cell in this prison with just the push of a button and point them in your direction.
Zack: …
Lord Zedd: And this isn't like your grandfathers prison, this correctional facility houses some of the worst monsters to ever walk the galaxy. Some of these monsters even I wouldn't sick on Angel Grove. So I dare you. Make my day, black ranger. They'd love to hear who you are.
(After hesitating for a moment, Zack wisely backs off; keeping the scowl on his face.)
Lord Zedd: Now then, while I go back to the moon to pull up a chair and watch the dog fight that is the Angel Grove riots, I shall leave Goldar in charge to watch over you.
Robbie: Oh thank God. There's hope for us yet.
(While Zedd carries on with his spiel, some of the other rangers huddle in the corner.)
Kimberly: What are we gonna do you guys? I don't think there's any way out of here.
Zack: Jason… he's our only hope. He's gotta come through, he's just gotta.
(Meanwhile back on earth, Zordon has been made aware of the rangers kidnapping and has alerted the red ranger.)
Jason: Wait, what do you mean they just disappeared? Where are they?
Zordon: That I currently do not know. Most likely to a hidden dimension. Alpha is in the process of conducting a sector scan now. Behold the viewing globe.
(Jason turns to view the images Alpha is putting up on the screen.)
Alpha: All locations occupied by the power rangers within the last twenty four hours will appear on the viewing globe.
(The Juice Bar, the basketball court at the park, the stools at the Juice Bar, the beach, the work out area at the Juice Bar, the playground at the park and the dining area at the Juice Bar.)
Jason: They could be anywhere!
Zordon: Jason, the other rangers wanted you to win the karate tournament. But they knew you were preoccupied with other personal problems regarding the loss of Tommy's powers.
Jason: Winning that tournament means nothing to me without my friends here to share it. Alpha you have to locate them.
Alpha: I'm trying Jason, I'm trying.
(The alarm sounds, inciting a frustrated rage.)
Jason: (groans) ….
Alpha: Aye, yi, yi, yi, yai! What else could go wrong?
Zordon: Lord Zedd has sent down his newest monster, Pudgy Police Chief to attack Angel Grove. He is extremely powerful and has an arsenal of putties disguised as police officers at his disposal. Jason, you must stop him.
Jason: But Zordon. My friends…
Alpha: Aha! I found them.
Jason: Where?! Where are they?
(Almost instantly forgetting about the monster, Jason rushes back over to Alpha.)
Zordon: As I feared, the others are being held prisoner inside an underground correctional facility in the other world.
Jason: Correctional facility? You mean a prison?
Zordon: Correct. Except this prison houses some of the galaxies vilest monsters. Monsters that have either failed in their mission to defeat rangers or monsters proven unsuitable to fall under anyone's command. Either way, they do not like power rangers.
(Jason cannot even fathom such an awful place existing.)
Zordon: Jason, if you do not rescue the power rangers, their lives will be in danger.
Jason: Are they safe right now at least?
Alpha: Well, see for yourself…
(Alpha's response makes Jason almost wish he hadn't asked. He turns back to the viewing globe to see them in their prison cell as Goldar mock's them by banging his sword off the bars while mockingly pacing back and forth.)
Goldar: Lord Zedd has given me permission to torture each and every one of you. One by one. Who wants to go first?
(Obviously, no one speaks up.)
Goldar: Any volunteers? Come on, don't make me pick someone.
(No one even looks up from the spot they are staring at.)
Goldar: Black ranger, how about you? You aren't too busy converting to Islam, right?
Zack: …
Goldar: Answer me!
(Jason begins to fume.)
Zordon: Jason, you must control your anger. This is exactly what Zedd wants. You must not allow him to gain the upper hand. Red ranger. Come, stand before me.
(He barely pulls himself from the viewing globe to follow Zordon's command.)
Zordon: Jason, a true leader is not one that makes all the right decisions. You will always be faced with tough decisions. However he must control his emotions and act based on who has the greatest need.
Alpha: Jason, we know what this is about, and we know you've been glum. However, you made the right decision when you left Tommy's candle. That goes without question.
Zordon: Tommy's life was in danger and you chose to save the person rather than the powers. Now the others need you, though you face another tough decision. If you enter the other world, you will demorph and make yourself vulnerable to be trapped and imprisoned yourself.
Jason: It's a risk I'm willing to take, Zordon. That goes without question.
Zordon: You've made a fine leader, red ranger. First you must eliminate the threat facing Angel Grove before you head to the other world. Failing to retrieve your friends and getting caught yourself will spell disaster for the rest of the world.
Jason: Then I've got no time to lose.
Zordon: Good luck Jason. And may the power protect you.
Jason: It's morphin time!
"Tyrannosaurus!"
(Now morphed, Jason leaps into action and dives deep in the thick of things in the riots which has long descended into a mass chaotic brawl between the police in riot gear and the fed up citizens. Jason is baffled by what he sees, not expecting to see such a thing in the 1st world. There is too much going on to even begin to stop it. Instead he sifts through the pepper spray and rock throwing till he finds the root of the problem smack in the middle.)
Pudgy Police Chief: Red ranger… Took you long enough to get to your own sting operation
Jason: There you are. Get these imposters out of here. You are making a mockery of good police officers out there.
Pudgy Police Chief: Nonsense. These people, just like your friends, are a nuisance to society. And it is our sworn duty to follow the mission statement of the Angel Grove's finest: protect and sever!
Jason: Your cop puns aren't funny pig.
Pudgy Police Chief: So you're saying you want me to give it arrest?
Jason: Stop it.
Pudgy Police Chief: Fine, have it your way. Officers, requesting back up!
(Every fake cop in the area drops what they're doing. They approach and surround the red ranger; pulling out each of their weapons and get in the ready position.)
Pudgy Police Chief: Fire on my command. Ready…
(Jason gulps)
Police Chief Pig: Aim…
(At the sound of a dozen guns cocking, Jason pulls out his own blade blaster and hopes for the best.)
Police Chief Pig: FIRE.
(A hailstorm of bullets come firing out at once at Jason's. Doing all he can, Jason teleports out of the middle, shooting up about twenty feet in the air. Once high enough, he stops, aims his weapon and unleashes fire. He takes the fake cops down, one by one like pins in a bowling alley. The ones that fall, quickly flash out of their disguise to reveal themselves as one of Lord Zedd's putties, before disappearing.)
Jason: I knew these were phonies! Thank God, that would've been a national tragedy.
(He drops back down and is quickly swarmed.)
Pudgy Police Chief: Officer down!
(Switching to blade mode, Jason blocks the oncoming batons to the face, then legs sweeps the officer in front of him before getting back to his feet. He back up away from the crowd and sees several store signs that he can walk on. He leaps on top of the sign of a nearby bodega and tries to take them out yet again, but this time he just leaves himself wide open for more gun fire. He runs down the block by leaping from sign to sign, however the last one cannot support his weight and gives out. He crashes to the floor, allowing the fake cops to surround him yet again.)
Jason: Oh no…
Pudgy Police Chief: Get him! Get him now!
(Before he can get back to his feet, he quickly ducks a baton to the face from the right and counters with a swift kick to the midsection. The force of the kick turns him around, though he lands another kick to the chest of another police officer, who disassembles like a putty patroller would. Seeing two more approaching in front, he lets them run right into a double split kick.)
Police Chief Pig: Aw, he was a week from retirement!
(Finally Jason pulls out his blade blaster once more. He points it to the remaining officers, who after seeing what he's done to the rest of the "force," simply drop their weapons and give up. Real police officers swoop in from behind to tackle the imposters to the ground as the remaining protesters break out in applause.)
Jason: Good work officers. You see? These are the men and women in uniform that protect these streets. Not those crooks on your force. Why don't you just do the right thing and turn yourself in?
Police Chief Pig: Never.
(Back on the moon, Zedd looks on, appearing somewhat discouraged but not defeated.)
Baboo: What do we do now, master?
Lord Zedd: Youwill do nothing as usual. I on the other hand will hand the red ranger some capital punishment.
Baboo: Great. I'll be over there, doing my part.
(Zedd lifts his arm up in the air and summons a bomb. He hurls it over the balcony and toward Earth where it lands and goes right in front of Pudgy Police Chief. The remaining crowd runs after the deafening explosion. The pig grows to the size of the tall apartment complexes in the area. Without wasting much time, Jason calls for his own back up.)
Jason: I need the power of thunder!
"Tyrannosaurus-Red Dragon Thunderzord Power!
(The mighty Tyrannosaurus is summoned from the ground and as soon as it climbs to the surface is disappears into the fog and reemerges as the Red Dragon Thunderzord. Jason hops on board and commands it to transform again into warrior mode. Pudgy Police Chief, who's already lying in wait, arms himself with his baton.)
Pudgy Police Chief: You ready to serve some hard time?
Jason: Why don't you drop the baton and fight me like a man?
(As fast as his stubby legs can take him, the giant pig charges at the Red Dragon with his weapon. The Pig connects across the chest before Jason can block the shot, then again from the other end. He repeats once more and clubs the red dragon over the head; rocking Jason from his cockpit.)
Jason: I'm getting hit!
(Jason's Zord quickly retreats to create space, then leaps into the air to land a flying spinning heel kick. The pig however catches his foot before he connects and uses the Zord's own momentum to spin him around in circles before sending him flying through a nearby building. He flies through it like a kid falling over his blocks; raining debris all over Angel Grove. The police chief walks over and arrogantly kicks him in the face, adding insult to injury.)
Pudgy Police Chief: You saw that, right? He was reaching for a weapon.
(He kicks him in the head again.)
Pudgy Police Chief Pig: He's resisting arrest!
Jason: I need the power staff!
(The red dragon's power staff swoops in from the sky and knocks over the police chief and most importantly, knocks his weapon out of his hand. It also buys Jason just enough time to get back on his feet. The Red Dragon Thunderzord digs one end of his staff to the ground, then lifts himself up to spin himself around it. He lands a stiff kick to the face of the police chief, and he isn't done yet.)
Jason: Time to finish you off.
(He raises the staff in the air, which starts spinning like the wings to a copter. It picks up speed and begins to emitting energy. He finally brings its arm down to face Police Chief Pig and is propelled forward at too high a speed for the pig's stubby legs to avoid. Once they collide, the pig bursts into flames and disintegrates into nothing.)
Jason: Alright!
(Jason reaches for his communicator.)
Jason: Zordon, I got the police chief. Now it's time to save my friends.
Zordon: Good work Jason. Alpha is about to open up a portal to the other world that will remain open for just a limited time. You will be involuntarily demorphed, but you must act quickly and retrieve the other rangers. Once the portal closes, we cannot re-open it.
Jason: Got it.
(Jason leaps out of his Zord and right into the portal opened up by Alpha in the sky. The falls right into it and starts traveling to the prison in the other world. Already there, the other rangers line up in the lunch room to be served an indistinguishable pile of slop that all the other inmates seem to love. The dining is however, the least of their worries.)
Trini: I get the feeling that we're not exactly going to be welcomed here with open arms.
(Trini looks around her and notices several small groups of monsters making faces at the ranger team and talking amongst themselves about them.)
Billy: We're like a rare steak near a pack of wolves.
Zack: Steak sure sounds a lot better than what we're eating.
Trini: I think there's a dead fly in my food.
Robbie: It probably died after tasting it.
Trini: You guys, has anyone seen Kimberly?
(A soaking wet Kimberly walks on line.)
Kimberly: This is the last time I volunteer for anything Goldar suggests.
Billy: I warned you that water boarding is not what it sounds like. We all did.
Kimberly: Yeah, whatever Billy.
(Kim grabs a tray and moves down the line along with the rest of them. All except Trini, who stays behind momentarily to pick the fly out of her mush. That however, proves to be a mistake.)
Tentacle monster: Pst. Psst. Hey.
(Through her peripherals, she spots a tentacle monster surrounded by his buds cat calling her. She tries to ignore it.)
Tentacle monster: Hey sugar lips, come here.
Trini: Go away, creep.
Tentacle monster: Hey come on baby, don't ignore me.
Trini: Stop it!
Tentacle monster: Hey! I'm talking to you.
(The monster reaches out and grabs her by the arm and yanks her toward him. She squirms, but muffles a squeal out of intimidation.)
Tentacle monster: Do you know who I am around here? Do you know how bad I can spoil you if you just say yes to me?
(He leans in and whispers into her ear.)
Tentacle monster: Do you know how bad I can hurt you if you say no?
Trini: (struggling) Please… let me go.
Tentacle monster: Give me a kiss first.
Trini: Stop!
Robbie: Hey! She isn't interested. Back off.
(Spotting Trini in danger, Robbie jumps in and violently pulls the monster away. His friends quickly jump up and surround him.)
Tentacle monster: What's the big idea?!
Robbie: The lady said no.
Tentacle monster: And?
Robbie: And you better leave her alone before you have a problem with me.
(The monster just cockily smirks before looking back at the rest of his friends.)
Tentacle monster: These people behind you… They with you?
Robbie: Yeah. They are.
Tentacle monster: Good. Cause they all just signed their death warrant, brown ranger.
Robbie: What? Did Zedd tell you we were power rangers?
Tentacle monster: No, your multi-colored jumpsuits told us you were power rangers.
Robbie: I knew we should've just worn orange…
Tentacle monster: You aren't even the first team to be sent down here. You aren't the first to get in my face. And I promise you, you won't be the first one I take out.
(Before Robbie has a chance to respond, he's wacked over the side of the head with a lunch tray from one of the prisoner's peers. All hell breaks loose as Robbie drops to the floor. The other rangers jump in to fight, though Trini stays behind to protect him.)
Zack: Get them!
(Zack is the first one to spring to action. He leaps over the Robbie and lands a flying kick to the tentacle monster and knocks him down. He pulls a spinning leap to the top of a lunch table where he duels with a skeleton monster who was about to jump on top of him. He ducks two punches and leaps over an attempted leg sweep before pulling him by the leg and tripping him over onto a row of trays.)
Zack: Bone apatite.
(As Zack leaps off the table to go fight somewhere else, Robbie remains below clutching his head down.)
Trini: Stay there Robbie. You hit your head on the floor pretty hard. I'll cover you.
Robbie: Th-thanks.
Trini: No. Thank you.
Tentacle monster: Isn't this sweet?
Trini: Huh?
(Trini grows slightly worried when she sees the tentacled monster getting back up and approaching her; the legs on the top of his head moving furiously.)
Tentacle monster: Now, about that kiss…
(Seeing him as well, Robbie tries to get back to his feet. He only gets as far as a knee before the monster throws a punch to Robbie's face. Trini rushes over just in time to catch him by the wrist. She pulls him toward her body, splits at the last second and drives her her palm into his gut, knocking the wind out of him. On the other end of the cafeteria, Kimberly finds herself cornered by an inmate wielding a plastic spork. She backflips to get out of harm's way, but runs right into a second. Thinking fast, she kicks the inmate behind her right into a wall, then catches the spork wielding fist of one in front of her. She hits him with a high kick to his chest and knocks him toward the exit. The monster takes a hard tumble when the doors swings open. Goldar and his guards burst through after being alerted.)
Goldar: I knew you power geeks would cause trouble. Guards, get them.
(The guards in riot gear spread out pulling out their batons and pepper spray as they move.)
Zack: Look out guys, stay close.
Kimberly: They're coming right for us!
"Not if I have anything to do with it!"
(Recognizing the familiar voice the ranger turn toward the back where they find an unmorphed Jason in front of a giant portal that leads back home.)
Billy: Jason!
Trini: Thank goodness.
Zack: My man, I knew you'd come through.
Jason: We don't have much time. Run through the portal now!
(The rest of the team makes a bee line for the exit, pushing through the other monsters and masking their eyes from the pepper spray being blown in their direction. Some of the monsters have also put the pieces together and are trying to push past Jason to get into the portal.)
Jason: Sorry guys, I'm fresh out of pardons.
(He tries to drop them as fast as they approach him, though he finds himself getting quickly overwhelmed when Goldar swoops in.)
Goldar: Oh no you aren't. You created this mess, so now Angel Grove will suffer the consequences.
(Jason tries to quickly drop him with a boot to the chest, but Goldar brushes it off easily and returns the favor.)
Goldar: Now I'll finish you all. You'll wish you never came here.
(Goldar takes two mighty swings of his sword, but luckily the red ranger dodges them both. He tries a third down Jason's midsection but Jason lunges over the sword to the other side. This time Goldar is barely able to turn around before two kicks to the sword knock his weapon out of his hand.)
Goldar: My sword!
Jason: You're a dead man walking!
(Jason leaps in with two lightning fast kicks to the chest. Goldar tries to punch him but he catches the fist and tries to bring him down by the wrist. Goldar swats him backwards, but doesn't stop the roundhouse kick to the jaw that follows. The kick throws him way off balance and crashes him into a monster made entirely of flames.)
Jason: That's unfortunate.
Goldar: Get out of my way, knucklehead.
Jason: Guys look out, fire!
(The two fall over a table full of Styrofoam lunch trays which immediately burst into flames.)
Robbie: Quick. We gotta get out of here!
(Conceding defeat after being surrounded by flames, Goldar makes one final declaration.)
Goldar: You may have won the battle red ranger, but you will never win the war!
Zordon: Jason.
Jason: I read you Zordon.
Zordon: You don't have much time. The portal is about to close.
Jason: We're on our way.
(Looking out into the fiery sea in front of him, he sees his friends by the portal fighting off the monsters that are also trying to get in. Willing to take another chance, he orders them to forget about them.)
Jason: Guys, run through the portal. It's about to close.
Billy: But Jason, the monsters…
Jason: Move!
(Back at the command center, Alpha tries desperately to keep the portal open for just a few seconds longer.)
Alpha: Aye, yi, yi, yi, yai! I don't think I can hold it.
Zordon: You must try Alpha.
Alpha: I can't, the portal is closing. The scanners have picked up several energy sources entering the portal and heading this way, but I cannot confirm their identities.
Zordon: Then I am afraid we have no choice but to hope for the best. Keep the force field on standby in case Zedd or one of his monsters has gone through the portal.
Alpha: Aye, yi, yai…
(Alpha runs over to the opposite end of the control panel to initiate the safety protocol while praying he doesn't have to use it. Several figures are heard teleporting in behind him. He becomes worried when Zordon doesn't immediately respond. He slowly turns around.)
Jason: Miss us?
Alpha: Ay yi, yi, yi, yai. Yes, of course. You had me so worried.
(Alpha runs over like a kid who misses his parent and give Jason a big hug. Some of the other rangers join in as well.)
Zordon: Welcome back rangers. And once again Jason, you've proven yourself to be a formidable leader.
Robbie: Yeah man, I gotta hand it to you. You really came through today. You got us out of a hard spot.
Zack: You were awesome bro.
Jason: Thanks guys! I just did what any of you would've done.
Kimberly: It's just so nice to be back in the real world and to eat outside food again.
Robbie: Kim, we were in prison for two hours. You didn't even eat.
Trini: I kind of get what Kim means though. Prison is no place I ever want to be in again. Monsters or no monsters. And I hope I never run into cops like the ones that arrested us again either.
Kimberly: Yeah me too. Is this the kind of thing you were talking about going through before, Robbie?
(He nods. Then shrugs.)
Robbie: Yeah. I mean this kind of thing does happen on occasion. It has happened to me before, that's why I wasn't entirely surprised when I was arrested. There are bad police officers that racially profile. You shouldn't have to ask your brown friends if it exists, you should just know. But the problem is not in the epidemic that Zedd made it out to be. Most police officers are… well, they're doing their jobs.
Kimberly: Are you defending police officers? Am I hearing you right? You're supporting "the man?"
Robbie: No! Never. I just… maybe they're not all as bad as I made them out to be.
Jason: Alright guys, let's shift the focus back on me right now. This is about me today.
Alpha: You guys! We've located Tommy.
(The rangers rush to the viewing globe where Alpha puts up an image of Tommy. He is sitting quietly by a patio upstate, staring out into the sunset with a pad and pencil in hand.)
Kimberly: Aww, I miss him so much you guys.
Robbie: I can't believe Trini would think you would mess around with me.
Trini: KIM!
Kimberly: Shhh! He's about to talk.
Tommy: Dear Jason, I know this is a little late, but I'm writing to you guys to let you all know that I'm okay. (Sighs) I miss you guys a lot. But I need this time to get my head together.
Robbie: Why is he saying out loud what he's writing?
Tommy: Jase, go win that golden pipe trophy for me. I know you can do it, you're a winner. You always have been. Look, I don't blame you for what happened. I never did. Just keep your head together, the others depend on you. And so do it. We'll see each other one day. Your friend, Tommy.
(Tommy take a deep breath and looks up at the sky; presumably thinking deeply to himself. Jason looks to his friends with a newfound confidence.)
Jason: You guys, I'm really proud to call you my team. I couldn't have done anything without all of you by my side. You guys are the greatest crew one could ask for.
Zack: Thanks man, you're a really great leader. Don't ever doubt that for a second.
Jason: Thanks man.
Kimberly: Hold on. I don't mean to interrupt the warm and fuzzies… but what is Tommy doing with that rope?
(Tommy pulls out a rope from his green backpack and throws one end over the top of his uncle's patio. What's more concerning is the fact that he seems to be tying the other end into a noose.)
Kimberly: Can someone please tell me what he's doing with that rope?
Trini: He's grabbing a chair!
Kimberly: I-I gotta go. Good luck with your tournament Jason.
Robbie: Don't leave. You'll miss the best part.
(Kim teleports away as everyone else remains glued to the screen. Later in the day, the rangers and especially Jason are forced to shift focus to the golden pipe tournament.)
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final round of the 22nd annual Golden Pipe Tournament. The participants in each corner, both wearing red are Jason Lee Scott and Rocky DeSantos."
(In Rocky's corner, he receives a last minute advice from his ring managers.)
Adam: Alright Rocky you're almost there. Now, this guy is good and he's strong, but he's slow. He's also been fighting all day so he's tired. I want you to do the old hit and run. You go into attack mode, then back off and let him run after you. Do that enough times and you should wear him out in a couple of minutes.
Rocky: Right.
Aisha: And don't let the fact that you're friends with him slow you down. In this tournament, you have no friends. He is the guy that brutally killed your entire family. He is the one who all your exes left you for. He is the boss you never liked and now have a chance to get back at.
Rocky: He's going down!
(On the other end, Jason is receiving a pep talk of his own.)
Robbie: He's the guy next to you in class that won't let you copy off his homework. And he's the guy that will cover his paper with his arm during a test. He's the gu—
Jason: Robbie, what are you doing?
Robbie: I'm hyping you up?
Jason: You're not my manager. Go sit back down.
(Robbie sucks his teeth and goes back to his seat, where he's joined by Billy and Trini.)
Trini: It was a nice try, Robbie.
Robbie: Thanks.
(Robbie sits sulkily next to Billy, and reaches over to grab some of his popcorn without asking.)
Billy: Hey!
Trini: By the way, I didn't get a chance to thank you for what you did back there.
Robbie: Back where?
Trini: You know? When you stood up for me.
Robbie: Oh! Yeah, that's no big deal.
Trini: It was to me. It was a very dangerous spot. I'm really thankful that you were there for me.
(It takes him a second to realize what she's doing.)
Robbie: Any time Trini.
Trini: I'm sorry that our friendship has turned into this… it really shouldn't be this way.
Robbie: I agree.
Trini: Is there anything I could do to make it up to you?
Robbie: It's fine, let's just forget everything and start over again.
Trini: I'd like that. I really would.
(He reaches over and extends his hand to her.)
Robbie: Hi, my name is Robbie. Nice to meet you.
Trini: (laughs) You're silly.
Robbie: Want something to drink? Maybe some food? Ernie's got a sweet deal on hotdogs.
Trini: That's alright. Billy bought some popcorn for all of us.
(She reaches into his bowl.)
Billy: No I haven't! Stop ignoring me. I'm sitting between the both of you.
Robbie: Shh! I'm trying to lay the "golden pipe" here.
Trini: Huh?
Robbie: Nothing.
(The fighters meet at the center as the ref goes over the rules. Once he's finished, the men bow toward one another, then once again to the ref. They return to their corners and prepare to begin.)
Referee: Fighters. Get ready…. Fight!
(Rocky goes flying right in out of the gate and tries to hit Jason with a series of fast roundhouse kicks to the face. Jason ducks all of them one by one, then connects with a kick to the chest. The kick knocks Rocky backwards, though he remains on his feet. Jason tries again to take him down with a flying kick, but Rocky is able to roll to safety. Once he's up, Jason tries to take him back down with a kick to the back of the knee. The agile Rocky backflips in the air and lands on the same spot. He recovers by landing two spin kicks of his own, nearly pushing Jason out of bounds.)
Zack: Oh man, come on Jason. Don't give in now.
Aisha: Let's go Rocky!
Adam: Hit and run! Wear him out.
(Jason tries to rush back with a high kick to the jaw, but Rocky dodges the blow and suddenly become evasive. Jason foolishly runs after him and throws off-balance punch after off-balance punch. With his center of gravity off, Rocky is able to easily kick him in the one leg supporting all his weight and take him down.)
Referee: Alright, back away!
(The ref moves Rocky back to his corner, as Jason begins to get frustrated with himself. When order to begin again, Jason tries to attack aggressively again, this time chasing him back with a series of kicks. None of them connect, but it does corner him near the out of bounds area, where Jason finally lands one in the midsection that knocks Rocky away.)
Referee: Hold on! Out of bounds. Back in your corners.
Trini: You can do it Jason!
Adam: Let's go Rocky, don't give up. You've got him on the ropes.
Referee: Fight!
(This time Rocky give up on the whole hit and run strategy and tries to knock Jason out. He rushes in aggressively with a bicycle kick then a punch to the side. Jason stops the kick with his right hand and the kick with his left, throwing Rocky off-balance. Now momentarily vulnerable, Jason kicks him right in the mid-section and takes him down when crouched with an elbow to the back. Almost immediately afterwards, the bell rings. The crowd bursts in applause.)
Trini: Yes! I think he did it!
(Jason leans down and helps Rocky back up to his feet. His whispers something in his ear and shakes his hand.)
Jason: Good match bro.
Rocky: You too.
(The two separate and go back to their respective corners, where the rest of the ranger team is there to congratulate Jason with high fives.)
Referee: The judges have made their decision. The winner of the 22nd annual Golden Pipe karate tournament is… Jason Lee Scott!
(As he's handed the trophy, Zack and Billy reach down behind him and pick him up over their shoulder in triumph.)
Jason: Yes! This one's for you Tommy. Wherever you are.